Best Places to Live in France for Expats
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France is far and away one of the favorite countries for a new life abroad. A mix of rich culture, incredible infrastructure, and a wonderful standard of living makes it little surprise that so many expats choose to live in France. France has something for you, whether you’re looking for a job, educational opportunities for your kids, or just an adventure.
We will make you discover the best places to live in France for expats with this guide focusing on the important parts: jobs, education, cost of living, and what to do during your spare time.
Paris
Paris, the cultural and financial center of France, provides expats with abundant job prospects in finance, tech, fashion, tourism, and numerous other global sectors. Since the city is home to many global companies, English-speaking professionals can find more job opportunities here compared with other parts of France.
Paris is family-friendly, with great education choices for families moving to Paris. Top schools abroad—like the American School of Paris and the British School of Paris—are based in the city, which offer internationally recognized curriculums, while top universities such as Sorbonne University reinforce its strong academic pull.
The cost of living is high, especially for housing, with one-bedroom apartments in central areas often beginning at €1,500 per month. Yet many expats believe the quality of life makes it worthwhile. Paris has unparalleled access to some of the world’s most famous monuments, museums, cafés, boutiques, and parks, which all contribute to a city that is alive with global talent.
Lyon
Lyon is a popular choice for many who believe it to be one of the best places for expats in France, especially those moving there for a fresh start. The city has a buoyant economy and foreigner-friendly lifestyle. Lyon has grown into a key business center, particularly for banking, pharmaceuticals, and biotech. It’s one reason why so many professionals who move to Lyon for work find it an appealing and well-balanced place to live.
For his residents, living here provides a completely free education. The International School of Lyon and several top universities are bilingual in French and English, so it’s a city that works well for expat families and students. The attractiveness and liveliness of Lyon is what many expats moving to France to work are looking for.
Housing is also more affordable than in Paris. With an average one-bedroom apartment in the center costing €900, expats can afford to live centrally in the city and not break the bank. Lyon has historical appeal and world-famous food; it’s located near the Alps so that traveling to outdoor pleasures like skiing and hiking is well within reach.
Nice
Nice, on the Mediterranean coast, is often a top pick for expats moving there who seek a more relaxed way of life and equally great job opportunities. Tourism and hospitality are still major employers, while industries such as technology and health care have been rapidly expanding.
Schools like the International School of Nice make it easier for families to settle in, and there are strong options for university higher education at institutions like the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis. The cost of living is cheaper than in Paris, with one-bedroom apartments renting for an average of about €1,000 in the city center.
What lures many of the people moving to Nice is the lifestyle—beautiful beaches, vibrant markets, and easy access to Cannes and Monaco. It is well-connected internationally too, which means travel and settling in become much easier.
Toulouse
Major companies like Airbus dominate Toulouse’s thriving aerospace sector, making it especially relevant for those considering relocation. That makes it an appealing option for aviation, tech, and engineering professionals. It’s a wonderful place to live for expats who are looking to escape the high cost of living found in other big cities as well.
Your children can receive a top-quality education in international schools like the International School of Toulouse. The region is also home to numerous universities that serve as a center for educational and research interests.
Bordeaux
Yes, Bordeaux is famous for wine, but thanks to robust economic growth, it’s proving to be a top destination for expats as well. There are many job prospects in technology, aerospace, and tourism, making moving to Bordeaux an attractive option for many individuals.
And while Bordeaux is known for its wine, it’s also drawing expats because the economy there has been growing. For those with plans for a long-term residency, it may also be worth investing in some property here, as Bordeaux’s real estate market has been booming.
During your spare time, feel the heartbeat of the world-famous vineyards and sense centuries of history, or relish peaceful riverside walks. The wonderful combination of culture, affordability, and jobs makes this one of the best places to live abroad.
Marseille
Multicultural city on the Mediterranean coast, with jobs in shipping (maritime careers), health, and education. It’s a big city with a lot of commercial activity, including the ports, and it is cheaper than other major French cities when it comes to cost of living. For those moving to Marseille or shipping household goods to another country, Marseille has a big port and shipping industry that makes it accessible.
Education The city offers good schooling options for expats and is home to a number of international schools, such as Marseille International School. The city center’s average of about €800/month for an apartment with one bedroom makes it less expensive for expats who want to live that Mediterranean lifestyle but don’t want to pay a king’s ransom.
With beautiful coastlines and the closely located Calanques National Park, there is no shortage of outdoor activities to do around Marseille. From scenic hiking to the Old Port and pieces of locally caught seafood at restaurants, there’s quite a bit to experience.
Nantes
Nantes, a city with the Atlantic Ocean on its doorstep, is increasingly dynamic and innovation- and sustainability-oriented. It’s also home to a burgeoning tech industry and has jobs in education, health care, and finance. Expats moving to Nantes who prefer a medium-sized city with a slower rhythm opt for Nantes. It is always important to research your new country thoroughly before a move, and Nantes is affordable and modern living all balled up in one.
The city has a large number of international schools and bilingual programs, so expats shouldn’t have trouble securing excellent education for their kids. Housing is relatively inexpensive; you can expect to pay an average of €700 a month for a one-bedroom apartment (about $900)—without the roommates. Nantes is also famous for being one of the greenest cities in France, with several parks and open spaces.
In your downtime, you will be able to visit Nantes’ cultural attractions, such as the Machines of the Isle of Nantes, or take weekend excursions to the Atlantic coast, which is within driving distance. Reasons expats choose Nantes:
Strasbourg
Strasbourg, close to the German border, is one of those places that combines French and German lifestyles. It’s home to the European Parliament, drawing professionals working within international relations, law, and finance, among others. Where the city is positioned, moving to Strasbourg makes it ideal for anyone looking into job opportunities in these fields.
Strasbourg is also home to several international schools, facilitating an easy start for expat families. The cost of living is lower than in Paris, and rent for a one-bedroom in the city center starts at around €800. Strasbourg is known for its fantastic Christmas market and medieval architecture, so there are lots of things to love for expats here.
With a good standard of living, reasonable cost of living, and plenty to see and do culturally, Strasbourg is an attractive place to live if you want to sample French and German life.
Montpellier
Moving to Montpellier from USA will enjoy life in Montpellier, as the cost of living is not high and employment prospects are pretty solid. It’s an active city with a decent job market in health care, education, and tech. Here you will find many expats and younger international couples, bringing in that vibrant, Mediterranean feel to it. People who enjoy the wonderful outdoors particularly love this city since it is so close to the beach.
Montpellier You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for approximately €700 in Montpellier. There are a number of international schools in the city, so it could be a suitable place for families moving to Europe from us.
For further information on accommodation, scholarships, and student cards, please consult our website. In your free time you can explore the famous historic city of Montpellier, chill out on one of its stunning beaches, or attend some of the numerous cultural events and festivals that occur in the city throughout the year.
Lille
Lille’s dynamic city and economy also offer jobs in finance, healthcare, or education. Because it lies near the border with Belgium, it has both French and Flemish features—making for an interesting cultural place to live. For those moving to Lille, it is an affordable city to live in, with good public transportation, and many expats have reported that it’s very doable.
Foreigners looking to relocate, moving from abroad For expats considering moving internationally, Lille’s cost of living and proximity make settling into France so much simpler.
If you’re looking for an effortless life, As the cost of living is low and because public transport in Lille is excellent, it’s one of the best cities to be an expat in so long as you are looking for a place to get away from it all. Rent is cheaper than in more developed cities, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costing around €700. Lille also offers various international schools, so expat families can take advantage of quality education.